Newby!

Newby!

by Amy
(Wentzville, MO)

das boot!

I'm 23, 5'0", 110 lbs......I've been riding a dirt bike since I was 15 or 16, I'm ready to move it to the road. I'm just having a difficult time deciding what kind of bike I want. I love the look and speed of the crotch rockets, but I know I should most likely start on a small cruiser like bike. Any advice for the newby?

Thanks, Amy

Comments for
Newby!

Click here to add your own comments

Apr 19, 2009

New Rider
by: Quicklimegirl

Amy,

Your height isn't as important as your inseam (leg) length in getting comfortable on any bike.
The main reason many short women start on Cruiser style bikes are the extremely low seat heights, which allow them to flatfoot on both sides of the bike while sitting down. However, the downside to some of the larger Cruiser style bikes is their weight, and the fact they don't have the ground clearance, nimbleness nor state-of-the-art suspension and chassis, especially compared to a bike like the Ninja 250. The fork rake (angle) and long wheelbases make many cruisers slower steering and handling too. You must be comfortable on a bike to be able to focus on learning to deal with the multitude of traffic and distractions street riding entails.

DO NOT under any circumstances let anyone talk you into getting any sport-oriented bike >500cc such as an Yamaha R6, Suzuki GSXR600, Kawasaki ZX-6R or CBR600. It doesn't matter how many years you've been riding off road; those bikes are basically street-legal roadracers.

Good luck...make sure the bike fits you, isn't too heavy, and buying used first is best.

Apr 19, 2009

Amy - Das Boot
by: Brycie

I don't think that it really matters what style of bike you get, more important is does it fit you.

Apr 19, 2009

Howdy Newby!
by: Bridgett

My advice is don't ever drink a big tall cool brewsky like the one in your picture when your riding! LOL

Seriously. I think it sounds like you have some experience (dirt bikes). If you like the crotch rocket style, there are a lot of great starter sport bikes. I hear the Ninja is great. I haven't been on one, I like my Harley, but I understand that the sport bikes are very nimble....and yes can be VERY fast so be careful. Take the Motorcycle Safety class. Once you do that, go out to every dealer and sit on all kinds of bikes. You will get an idea what feels right. You will know when you sit on the right one. If you are lucky enough to have your license before you buy your bike (I didn't, my hubby had to test drive my bikes) and you feel comfortable test riding, all the better. Lastly, when you think you know what bike you want, Google it...I read everything I could find on different bikes, and then when I decided on the Sportster, I googled everything I could find on them. You will learn a lot that way. Harley has an event called a "Garage Party" at dealers sometimes. It is for women who want to ride. I went to one and it was great. They made it clear it is for women who ride ANY kind of bike, not just Harley's. They talk about Women Safety issues, gear, modifications you can do to bikes to make them more woman friendly. Maybe they might have one coming up in your area..and they are free! Good luck on your search! And happy trails.

Bridgett

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Ask (or answer) a Question